'Merry Christmas Everyone': Ely High Street Passage video creates a social media snow storm with more than 14,000 views online

The Mayor of Ely Cllr Mike Rouse is supporting the High Street Passage project and said: "I think we should cheer up all elves this Christmas. Get along to High Street Passage, the lovely shopkeepers there are up to something and deserve our support". Picture: MIKE ROUSE

Archant

Shop owners in Ely High Street Passage have joined forces to spread the Christmas spirit by releasing a video of Merry Christmas Everyone.

The festive rendition of the 1985 Shakin’ Stevens hit has had more than 14,000 views since causing a winter snow storm on social media on December 1.

The video was created to share a bit of Christmas joy and encourage shoppers to support local businesses.

It shows The Treasure Chest owner Christine Lumley and her son singer-songwriter Tom Lumley on the guitar as they stroll along the passage and are joined by others.

It was filmed in 10 minutes by nine-year-old Ollie Partridge with no rehearsals or editing.

The Mayor of Ely Cllr Mike Rouse is supporting the High Street Passage project and said: "I think we should cheer up all elves this Christmas. Get along to High Street Passage, the lovely shopkeepers there are up to something and deserve our support". Picture: MIKE ROUSE

Christine explained: “If we had done it on a big budget and really professional I think we would have lost the cheesy style and the message to it.

“We did it as a response to the Visa and American Express shop local adverts and we managed to rope everyone else in and then just got it filmed within 10 minutes.

“Merry Christmas Everyone is just really jolly and easy to sing and shared the Christmas spirit.

“It promotes the High Street Passage and we are a bit hidden away so it’s like we are saying ‘remember us, we’re here’.

The festive rendition of the 1985 Shakin’ Stevens hit has more than 14,000 views since causing a winter snow storm on social media on December 1. Picture: ELY HIGH STREET PASSAGE.

“The response we have had has been a bit crazy we just couldn’t believe the stir it has caused online.”

The Treasure Chest, UClassy, Burrows Bookshop, Word Perfect Parties, PositivEly Treated, Artichoke, Age UK and Sew Much to Do all took part.

Susan Harrison from Burrows Bookshop added: “We wanted to encourage shoppers to stay local this Christmas but it is fantastic that it has gone on to get so much attention online.”

A post on social media post to accompany the video reads: “No big budgets, lighting teams or editing suites, but a whole lot of love for and from the passage.”

One resident added: “Must admit to a lump in my throat it was wonderful, well done all, it was a joy to see you all having fun.”

Visit Ely High Street Passage on Facebook for more information on shopping local during the festive season.